Cosmos

Blooming Season:  Summer, fall

Plant Habit: Upright

Characteristics: Easy care

Water: Medium

Fertilize: Every two weeks

Height: 24" - 36"

Width: 24" - 36"

Exposure: Sun

General Information:  Sensation Cosmos are a garden classic with their fern like foliage and large, cheerful daisy shaped flowers. They are easy to grow and make excellent cut flowers.

Sensation Cosmos requires full sun to thrive, so choose a location in your garden that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. Ensure that the soil is well-draining to prevent waterlogging.

Before planting, prepare the soil by removing any weeds or debris. Sensation Cosmos prefers moderately fertile soil with a pH level between 6.0 and 7.0. If your soil is heavy clay, consider adding organic matter such as compost to improve drainage. They do well in garden beds but would only thrive in the largest size of containers.

Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Once the plants are established, Sensation Cosmos are relatively drought-tolerant and only require watering during prolonged dry spells. 

Remove any weeds that compete with the plants for nutrients and water. Applying a layer of mulch around the base of the plants can help suppress weeds and retain moisture.

Sensation Cosmos is a low-maintenance plant that doesn't require heavy fertilization. However, you can apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer once or twice during the growing season to promote healthy growth and abundant blooms.

To encourage continuous blooming, deadhead the faded flowers regularly. This will redirect the plant's energy into producing new blooms. If the plants become leggy or overcrowded, you can also prune them back by one-third to maintain their shape and vigour.

Sensation Cosmos are generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, keep an eye out for aphids, slugs, and snails, which can occasionally infest the plants. If necessary, use organic pest control methods.

With proper care, your Sensation Cosmos plants will reward you with a profusion of colourful blooms from mid-summer until the first frost. These flowers make excellent cut flowers, so don't hesitate to bring some indoors to brighten up your home.